Cracks in Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Camera System: A Closer Look

Victoria’s mobile phone and seatbelt cameras, heralded as a step forward in road safety enforcement, have encountered scrutiny following a report from the Victorian Government. The report highlights significant flaws in the system, suggesting that some fines were issued erroneously while others went unprocessed due to oversight.

The Rise of Automated Enforcement

Since the introduction of nine mobile cameras in Victoria, over 83,000 fines were issued in just nine months. These cameras are managed by a third-party operator, capturing drivers using mobile phones or failing to wear seatbelts. However, the new report raises concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the system.

System Flaws and Oversight Issues

The Victorian Government admitted that it lacked "sufficient assurance" regarding the review process for incidents captured by the cameras. Some violations were dismissed prematurely, while others progressed to fines without adequate scrutiny. There is no confirmation that all potential offences caught by the cameras were escalated to Victoria Police for review and uploaded to the fines system.

The implications are concerning:

• Legitimate offenders escaping punishment: Instances of mobile phone and seatbelt violations may not have been pursued appropriately.
• Unwarranted fines: Some drivers might have received fines despite not committing an offence.

How Victoria Compares to Other States

Data from the Department of Infrastructure reveals discrepancies in enforcement across states:

• Victoria issued 97 mobile phone fines per 10,000 drivers in 2023.
• Queensland reported 201 per 10,000.
• New South Wales saw 361 per 10,000, indicating significantly higher enforcement rates.

South Australia’s experience with mobile enforcement cameras also paints a stark picture. In the first month alone, over 10,000 drivers were fined for mobile phone use, generating $6.8 million in revenue. Astonishingly, 80 individuals were caught using their phones four or more times, with one motorist being flagged 15 times.

The Road Ahead for Victoria

The Victorian Government’s report emphasizes the need for tighter controls and clearer oversight of automated enforcement systems. Ensuring that legitimate fines are issued while avoiding errors is critical to maintaining public trust. Moving forward, the government and its third-party operators must enhance review processes to address the current shortcomings.

As automated enforcement technology becomes more prevalent, its success will hinge on precision and fairness. Victoria’s experience serves as a reminder that robust checks and balances are essential to uphold both road safety and public confidence.